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Post-Collapse: Don't Get Scammed, Says FBI
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ShareAugust 02, 2007 2:58 PM
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has sent out a public service message: don't get scammed by phony charities looking to capitalize on yesterday's tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota.
The FBI warned consumers to ignore unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail and validate the legitimacy of organizations soliciting cash to help victims and families of those injured or killed in the collapse.
Experts say "charity scamming" happens often after disasters, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Blotter: More Than One in Four U.S. Bridges Ailing, Studies Show
"It happens so often it's almost frightening," said Jack Cloonan, former FBI agent and an ABC News Consultant.
Hurricane Rita and the Virginia Tech shootings also prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions for a charitable organization, according to the FBI.
"People have an emotional connection to those who have gone through a tragedy, and so many scammers prey on that," said Cloonan.
The I-35 West bridge near Minneapolis collapsed last night during rush hour killing four people and injuring 79. Twenty people are still missing, and the death toll is expected to rise.
Do you have a tip for Brian Ross and the Investigative Team?
August 2, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (4)
It still almost seems unreal that such a large and important bridge could just collapse. I hate to think that people will take advantage of the compassion of others to make a quick and unsavory buck. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: Bill | Aug 4, 2007 12:53:23 AM
The Collapse of the 35 W Bridge may be due to Minneapolis’s refusal to complete the Tibetan Sand Mandala Ceremony – and preserving the Mandala, instead of pouring it into the river.
Posted by: Minneapolis refusal | Aug 6, 2007 9:25:57 PM
If you think this is bad, wait until all those extra trucks from Mexico get here and add to the work load of our bridge network
Posted by: Me | Aug 15, 2007 10:14:07 AM
MAke sure to give your money only to APPROVED charities. We DON'T want ANY of the money to actually reach the people who need it!
Posted by: neo | Aug 16, 2007 9:48:10 AM
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